Kua numbers are personal feng shui energy distinctions that use directions, colors, elements, and numbers to promote harmony and balance within individuals.
ONIX, 2020
18" X 18"
As the son of a Hong Kong immigrant, I grew up with a hazy awareness of feng shui (風水). My mother often talked to me about our “kua” numbers to explain why we locate certain elements and artifacts at specific areas of our home and why I must have my bed slanted toward the SW, W, NW or NE direction. Now as a young adult, I am embracing feng shui much more, looking for “hidden arrows," and being conscious of the location of the “five yellows,” “three killings” and the “grand duke” in a given year.
For an art project at the University of Washington, we were supposed to respond and represent 2020 through the use of making "souvenirs." I decided to approach the souvenir project by also honoring my Chinese heritage through the integration of feng shui and crystals. My souvenir is a combination of jewelry and rocks, where each rock represents my immediate family members.
Through the current global and national turmoil, the health and safety of my family is of utmost importance. In East Asia, rocks embody energy and life; they are objects of contemplation and worship, models for human character and symbols of eternal love and companionship (e.g., “The End of the Earth,” Sanya, Hainan, China). To me, rocks weather the heaviest storms, then with persistence, they will see the brighter days.
Bagua chart.
Kua number and stone chart.
In feng shui, each person has a unique kua number (based upon gender and specific date of birth). Using the charts up above, I listed distinct traits for each family member. I later found certain rock shapes that represented their personality. Here are my assessments of my family members, their Kua numbers, and their distinct characteristics:
Mom – Kua Number: 6 – Stone: Green Aventurine • Strength Rock: Our anchor, shaped through adversity • Shape: Home, symbol of origins • Grey: Pride, passion, and adaptable
Dad – Kua Number: 5 – Stone: Snowflake Obsidian • Integrity Rock: Do what is right, 100% committed • Shape: Like a roman pillar, judicial, foundational • Yellow: Empathetic, caring, and selfless
Sister – Kua Number: 7 – Stone: Red Jasper • Charisma Rock: Encouraging, positive energy • Shape: Round and smooth; on the move, makes the moves • White: creative, meticulous, & compassionate
Dad – Kua Number: 5 – Stone: Snowflake Obsidian • Integrity Rock: Do what is right, 100% committed • Shape: Like a roman pillar, judicial, foundational • Yellow: Empathetic, caring, and selfless
Sister – Kua Number: 7 – Stone: Red Jasper • Charisma Rock: Encouraging, positive energy • Shape: Round and smooth; on the move, makes the moves • White: creative, meticulous, & compassionate
Han (myself) – Kua Number: 2 – Stone: Rose Quartz • Dynamic Rock: Actively learning, applying knowledge • Shape: Morpheus, in process • Pink: Companionly, gentle, & respectful
Mom – Kua Number: 6 – Bracelet
Dad – Kua Number: 5 – Bracelet
Sister – Kua Number: 7 – Bracelet
Han (myself) – Kua Number: 2 – Bracelet
The bracelets are a means to symbolize each family member's kua number through type of stone, bead count/repetition, and color. The yellow gourd in each bracelet represents health and longevity. The rocks are then adorned with the bracelets as a symbol of unification and protection. They are then positioned in an octagonal container which is directly correlated to the divisions of a bagua.
Mom – Kua Number: 6 – Strength Rock
Dad – Kua Number: 5 – Integrity Rock
Sister – Kua Number: 7 – Charisma Rock
Han (myself) – Kua Number: 2 – Dynamic Rock
ONIX: Bagua Garden
Bagua Chart (for refrence)
Stone Chart (for reference)
May this souvenir symbolize our strength and resilience through these difficult times. To everyone's friends and families: after weathering the heaviest storms, then with persistence, we will see the brighter days.